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Playing in Peru one last time

by Richard Aguirre

During their concluding retreat, Goshen College students in the Peru Study-Service-Term summer program reflected on the past three months. They discussed the highlights and challenges of service, presented their final academic projects and pondered what it might be like to return to the United States. They also played, enjoyed each other’s company and rested.

Joel tries to avoid Emma’s swift advance.

Our gathering was held at a Christian retreat center called Kawai, which is located on the beach about a 90-minute drive south of Lima. Facilities at Kawai consist of a large collection of spacious buildings amid well-landscaped grounds, just a few hundred yards from the Pacific Ocean. It has wide lawns, palm trees, a nice swimming pool and a broad beach, perfect for long walks and contemplation.

Students pause for a group photo.

Goshen students enjoyed strolling on the beach, gazing at the Pacific Ocean and observing a wide range of birds. The persistent cloud cover and cool temperatures of the South American winter did not deter students from visiting the beach and splashing in the ocean. The beach also was the site of a bonfire, which including roasting marshmallows and making S’mores.

Sunset on the beach at Kawai.

On the final afternoon of the retreat, students paid one last visit to the beach. Some students took long walks; two climbed a nearby bluff; and some just gazed at the waves. It was a great way to say goodbye to Peru and prepare for the long journey back to the United States.

A message from students in the Peru SST Summer 2014 group.

The attached photo gallery provides glimpses of the beauty of the beach at Kawai and what students did to relax during the retreat.

While Emma gets a push from Jaime, Alejandro and Leah build momentum on their own.

Tim and Lucas test their fitness level.

Brian tries a tricky walk.

Miranda enjoys a swing.

Edith enjoys a swing.

Lucas, Tim and Joel relax.

Leah enjoys a swing.

Alejandro gets all twisted up.

Jaime prepares to swing.

Emma relaxes.

Miranda and Brian try out the teeter-totter while Jaime watches,

Brian and Miranda experience the ups and downs of the playground.

Miranda gets a helpful push from Sierra.

Edith and Leah seek equilibrium.

Joel negotiates a play structure.

Joel climbs on a play structure.

Joel climbs on a play structure.

As Leah and Sierra watch, Joel surveys the playground.

Lucas finds a place to sit.

Flowers at Kawai.

In full bloom at Kawai.

Soccer action at Kawai.

Derek tries to move past Stefan.

Joel gets ready to kick.

Alejandro moves down field.

Derek and Emma.

Jaime and Tim collide.

Joel tries to avoid Emma’s swift advance.

Edith and Emma.

Joel rushed down field in time to prevent a goal from being scored, but couldn’t stop himself from falling into a hedge.

Joel kicks the ball down the field.

Brian, Miranda and Matt return from a walk on the beach.

Leah and Brody are happy to be on the beach.

Leah gets in some exercise.

Sierra enjoys the surf.

Brody takes in the beautiful scenery.

A row of sea birds.

Taking flight.

Students run toward the ocean.

Lucas is head over heels happy about being on the beach.

Students pause for a group photo.

Students sprint toward the surf.

Students run toward the surf.

Students enjoy the chilly water.

Students enjoy the ocean.

Tim and Derek William emerge from ocean.

Emma shows her enthusiasm for the beach.

Lucas cannot contain his excitement.

Stefan pauses to watch other students.

Jaime loved her dip in the ocean.

Brody said the water was cold but invigorating,

Jaime and Brody strike a silly pose.

Alejandro chases Derek Peter.

Alejandro tries to catch up with Derek Peter.

Leah, Sierra and Edith.

Students relax.

Joel and Derek William.

Derek Peter and Emma.

Michael walks through the Kawai retreat center.

Sierra makes a new friend.

Derek Peter and Derek William. To avoid confusion, one teacher started calling them Derek alto (tall) and Derek “guapo” (handsome).

Stefan and Emma play cads.

Derek William, Michael and Joel enjoy some down time.

Leah, Brian, Brody, Andrew and Edith take a final walk on the beach.

Brody and Matt enjoy a musical interlude.

Alejandro shows off his ability to spin a top and catch it in his hand.

Lucas and Joel return from a hike.

Peru SST Co-Director Judy Weaver enjoys a quiet moment to read.

For reasons we cannot explain, Alejandro, Joel and other students played a game in which they kicked the soccer ball at each other.